When you live “on your own” in the dorms, there are a lot of things you take for granted. At most schools, living on campus means that toilet paper is provided, someone else takes out the trash, and you can borrow silverware from the cafeteria (though I can tell you they usually don’t want you to borrow that silverware).
Living on your own off-campus, in a real apartment, is totally different. Suddenly you look around at your Ikea furniture and otherwise empty apartment and realize how much stuff you don’t have (but need pretty badly). So I threw together a list of things you might not think of, but will definitely need within the first few weeks of apartment life.
Remember, this isn’t your all inclusive everything-you-need list-it’s the list of stuff you’ll probably overlook. For an obsessively detailed everything-you-need list, check out Bed, Bath & Beyond’s insane-but-useful first apartment checklists, part I and part II. And don’t forget to bring furniture.
The Bare Necessities
(a.k.a. If You Buy Nothing Else At Least Get These Things!)
- Toilet paper
- Soap
- Towel
- Shower curtain & rings
- Trashcan
- Plunger
- Curtains (or at least a sheet to cover the windows)
- Lamp & light bulb(s)
- Fan
- First-aid kit
- Flashlight
- Batteries
You may see these items repeated on other portions of the list in their respective categories. But just remember them!
Bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Trashcan
- Soap
- Shower curtain & rings
- Toilet brush
- Plunger
- Towel
- First-aid kit
Kitchen
- Trashcan
- Oven mitt
- Scrub brush
- Dish soap & regular soap
- Towel(s)
- Plate, bowl, cup, silverware
- Can opener
- Pots & pans
- Paper towels
Bedroom
- Curtains
- Alarm clock
- Lamp
Other
- Tools (at the very least, nails, a hammer, and a screw driver)
- Power strip
- Extension cord
- Cleaning supplies
- Sewing kit (for buttons that pop off or other minor fixes)
- Laundry basket
…and last (but not least) a good sense of humor!
photo: Cat in a Box by sofa
July 28th, 2008
Just exactly how much does it cost to get your first off-campus apartment? Well, your first month’s costs might be a little bit of a shock if you don’t know what to prepare for–there are a lot of little extras that month that won’t be part of your regular monthly bills (just one more reason to have a roommate or two… or three). Read on to find out what you need to look for to figure out your bills for that first month…
Application - approx $30 to $50 per app
Unlike your parents, your landlord-to-be won’t just take your word that you’re good for the monthly rent-you have to fill out a formal application AND pay a fee so they can check your credit rating. (See, I told you your credit score would be important).
If you don’t fit their monthly income qualifications and need a co-signer like Mom or Dad, he or she will also have to fill out and pay for an application. You (and your roommates if you have any) should foot the bill for your co-signer’s app, too. Since they’re putting their credit score on the line for you, it’s common courtesy.
First Month’s Rent - varies by location and apartment size
Oh the joy of scraping together a month’s worth of rent before you even move in (you’ll probably have to pay this well before your move-in date!). Hopefully you’ve saved your summer earnings, because this could be a sizeable bill.
My first off-campus apartment-a 2br/2ba in San Diego-cost $1,600/month. That meant that I and each of my 3 apartment-mates had to cough up $400/mo. But then again, San Diego is one of the top 10 most expensive cities to rent in, so unless you’re living in New York, LA, or another metropolis, you probably won’t be paying that much.
Check out sites like Rent.com, ForRent.com, and Craigslist.org to get an idea of average pricing for rentals in your area.
Security Deposit - approx same cost as 1 mo rent
This is basically security for the landlord–this fee is for any damage you do to your apartment over the course of living there. If you take good care of your apartment, you will probably get a good portion of this amount back.
Last Month’s Rent - same as 1st mo rent
Most apartment complexes in my area don’t charge this, but every once in a while you’ll come across a lease agreement that requires you to hand over the last month’s rent early, too. Personally, I’d recommend looking for an apartment that doesn’t require this fee upfront.
Pet Deposit
If you plan to have a pet (I’m talking dog or cat, not a goldfish) you’ll probably have to put down an additional security deposit–AND pay extra each month. The initial deposit will probably be a few hundred dollars, but could be up to $1,000; the monthly amount will depend on your apartment complex.
Utility Deposits
In addition to monthly bills, utilities and such like gas, electricity, water, trash service, internet, phone service, and cable all tend to require start-up fees. Some cable, phone, and internet companies will waive your start-up and installation fees, so be sure to ask them to when you sign up!
You can probably expect the following amounts for the rest of your start-up fees: For gas and electric, you can approximate about $75/ea, trash service will vary (and is sometimes included in your rent). For more realistic pricing for your area, check with your landlord.
Parking Fee
You may also have to pay for a parking sticker or parking space assignment. Usually this is a one-time fee, but in larger cities you may see a monthly fee for parking.
photo: New York Fire Escape by JeryPank
July 14th, 2008
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